Another person has died at Yosemite National Park in California, bringing the total of accident-related deaths near the park to 15. 17-year-old Kao Kue died Wednesday from head injuries sustained in a fall at Mist Trail, Saturday.
Yosemite has had another record year for accidents in 2011. Six have died in drowning accidents, one in a fatal car accident, five from natural causes and two from falls. Kue's death is the second death from a fall. Another climber, 26-year-old Hayley Laflamme plummeted to her death on the rainswept Half Dome earlier this month.
Kue's death isn't being counted in the annual Yosemite death toll because although he was injured in the park, he died at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, California. He died from injuries incurred in a fall at the park however. Park officials say that normally, five to six people die annually at Yosemite. This total includes falls, drownings, accidents and all deaths. 14 to 15 deaths is nearly triple the yearly average.
Heavy snows last winter caused higher-than-normal water levels at creeks and rivers. Six of the deaths have been from drowning in flood-swollen waters. The climbing deaths are weather-related as well. In Laflamme's fall, it had been raining and the steel cables were slippery. Whenever it rains in Yosemite, rock surfaces, climbing apparatus, even paths become slippery and dangerous. That added danger is part of the allure of the park.
Officials state that although Yosemite has had more than its share of deaths, they will not install more signage or safety devices. Yosemite's natural beauty should be protected. Visitors are made aware of risks and must use their own judgment. One look at the huge monoliths and rocky outcroppings at Yosemite and the dangers are obvious.
Hikers and climbers are urged to avoid climbing and hiking after a rain when paths are wet. It's not just the rock surfaces that are dangerous. Grass and mud paths become treacherous. It's very easy to slip and hit one's head while walking even on flat paths, if the terrain is rocky. Head injuries and concussions can occur even from short falls, such as from the height of a step ladder or down a flight of stars. It isn't just the major falls that are dangerous. Concussions aren't the only injuries sustained in falls; our daughter severely sprained her leg hiking in Virginia. The trains were level but wet and treacherous.
Visitors who hike or walk in Yosemite and other mountainous terrain should wear a protective helmet. Hiking shoes, such as North Face hedgehogs, with heavy tread making or cleats make it easier to walk. Climbers should use special rock shoes. Children especially should have protective equipment. Here are safe hiking tips from YOSAR (Friends of Yosemite Search and Rescue). The park is best enjoyed when safety precautions have been attended to properly.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes about weather from 25 years teaching environmental, earth and life science.
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